Switzerland adds 45 sites to online gambling blacklist
Regulators unveil latest banned domains of unlicensed egaming operators
The Swiss gambling regulators have added 45 new firms to its blacklist of unlicensed gaming operators, including crypto-first platform Bitcasino.
Eidgenössische Spielbankenkommission (ESBK) and the Inter-Cantonal Lotteries and Betting Commission (Comlot) added 33 and 12 sites respectively, as they continue to update the blacklist which was launched in September 2019.
Swiss internet service providers are required to block access to sites that feature on the blacklist with immediate effect.
ESBK blacklisted two sites each from Boaboa, Cadoola and Casinia as part of its 33-strong update.
Comlot added sites from the likes of Interwetten, Forzza and 22bet – all of which have seen previous sites banned by the regulator. Shangri La Live appeared on both regulators’ updated lists.
The blacklists were borne out of the implementation of the Swiss Federal Act on Real-Money Gaming and are regularly updated.
Under the remit of the Act, the names of these operators will then be published in the Swiss national gazette.
Operators continuing to offer online gambling without a licence in Switzerland can face fines of up to CHF500,000 (£400,000) or up to five years in prison. Any operator who receives a cease and desist letter can challenge the decision within 30 days of receipt of the letter.